Implanted Glucose Sensor Glows Thru Skin

An implantable glucose sensor has been created by researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science at the University of Tokyo. The fluorescent fiber sensor has been tested during long-term in vivo use in mice.

The sensor is comprised of glucose-responsive fluorescent hydrogels encapsulated in a fiber structure. The fiber is 1mm in diameter and can be easily injected under the skin and removed with tweezers. In essence, it is an injectable light pipe which glows in response to changes in blood glucose concentrations. The sensor was found to be accurate, stable and sensitive for up to 140 days in mice.

While further calibration and testing of the sensor is needed, the researchers anticipate that this approach may facilitate development of long-term, fluorescent, implanted continuous glucose sensors.

Fans of William Gibson's award-wining 1984 novel Neuromancer recall the implanted devices that were used to monitor highly-placed corporate salarymen for illicit medication use.